The Humane Association of Central New York is facing serious financial difficulties that could force it to close within three months.

The group needs $440,000 a year to cover expenses at the shelter, Humane Association President Dr. Bruce Shafiroff said. The group has about $100,000 left in its operating budget for 2008.

"We currently have enough money to stay open only an additional two to three months, " Shafiroff said. "For as long as we're going to remain open, we need to raise $37,000 a month."

The decision to shut down has not been made yet, said Bill Young, the group's acting director.

"The executive officers have been trying mightily to keep the place together and keep it running, " Young said. "There is, of course, a danger we could close. The danger is because of the overabundance of animals to care for and the lack of funds to help care for them."

The Humane Association has taken in stray cats and dogs since it opened in 1964. At its peak, the shelter cared for about 360 cats and 90 dogs. Currently, there are about 200 cats and 15 dogs at the facility, which is at 4915½ W. Taft Road, in Clay.

"We have been able to adopt out a fair number, but that's still a lot of animals to feed and take of, and do medical care for, " Shafiroff said.

The Humane Association receives no state or local government funding, nor do local chapters receive any financial support from the national association. The facility is funded entirely by private donations, Shafiroff said.

The Humane Association is a no-kill shelter, which means that other than those with a terminal illness, animals are not euthanized.

"We need two things, " Shafiroff said. "No. 1, is we need to get more of our animals placed. More people are inclined to adopt pets from the SPCA. ... No. 2, we need more donations."

It costs the Humane Association about $300 to prepare an animal for adoption, Shafiroff said. That includes a veterinary exam and shots. Every animal that is adopted also is spayed or neutered.

Depending on the age and type of animal, adoption fees range from $75 to $125.

"So we lose a lot of money on each one, " Shafiroff said. "Some of our animals have $2,000 vet bills. Plus, we need to feed and take care of them, so it's a fairly expensive proposition."

The shelter has started a new program called "Senior Cats for Senior Citizens." If you're 62 years old or older, you can adopt a cat 3½ years old or older for $30, which is less than half-price. Some cats have lived at the facility for more than five years, Shafiroff said.

"Everyone wants a kitten, " Shafiroff said. "But maybe for an older person, a kitten would be too much to care for. We're hoping this will enable us to adopt out some of our older cats who would be wonderful companions for someone who doesn't want a kitten."

There also are fundraising events planned, though the last one lost money due to low attendance.

The facility is in somewhat of a state of transition since its director of more than 40 years, Joyce Goike: ], died in June. Shafiroff said the shelter may add some volunteer help to ease the burden of paying eight employees on staff.

"Joyce was an excellent money-raiser, and now we are running dangerously low on cash, " Shafiroff said. "We need more donations. We need more adoptions. We need help."

-- Tom Leo can be reached a : ]tleo@syracuse.com or 470-6013.

Want to help?

If you'd like to make a donation to the Humane Association of Central New York, mail a check to P.O. Box 38, Liverpool 13088. If you want to adopt an animal, the shelter is at 4915½ W. Taft Road, in Clay.